Incorporation of immigrants in a deeply divided society : case study of non-western immigrants in Northern Ireland

• Main Author: Chiba, Yuko
• Published: University of Ulster 2009
• Subjects: 305.90691209416
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.554239

This thesis examines subjective modes of immigrant incorporation into Northern Ireland, which is a society that has experienced historical conflict and is deeply divided between rival ethno-national communities. Society in Northern Ireland has been engaged in dealing with difference, traditionally between the two majority groups. However, the society is becoming more diverse today and one aspect of this is ethnic and cultural diversity brought by inward migration. The thesis focuses on immigrants of non- Western origin in Northern Ireland and explores their everyday experiences around the themes of neighbourhood, education and politics, wherein the segregated nature of the society is reflected. It also uncovers how they self-identify in the host society. Moreover, based on the exploration of their experiences in everyday lives and by identity, the thesis questions how the deeply divided nature of the host society influences the incorporation and settlement of immigrants in Northern Ireland. An investigation of these aspects will facilitate an assessment of the meaning of incorporation and integration for immigrants in the deeply divided society of Northern Ireland. The thesis begins by discussing the Northern Ireland context with regard to its immigrant population, followed by reviewing literature and illustrating the methodology. Then, it discusses the themes of neighbourhood, education, politics and identity in four separate chapters. The last chapter brings these themes together and considers how the socio- political context of the host society can impact upon immigrant incorporation in the deeply divided society of Northern Ireland, based on their perspectives. The main findings in this respect include that immigrants significantly make non- and anti-political decisions in their everyday lives, particularly in residential and educational contexts, and in this sense the impact of the communal divide appears to be limited. However, their political behaviour and patterns of identity imply stronger impacts of the communal divide of the host society. Moreover, the thesis argues that in the long run, the effect of segregation may be more significant, because immigrants' non- and anti-political perceptions and behaviour may have political implications due to the sectarian nature of the host society. Also, it argues that the deeply divided nature of Northern Ireland society sets a hurdle against substantial integration of immigrants, who self-identify as outsiders in the society in which they are settled.